Using a new imaging technique, researchers from the National Eye Institute have determined that retinal lesions from vitelliform macular dystrophy (VMD) vary by gene mutation. Addressing these differences may be key in designing effective treatments for this and other rare diseases. NEI is part of the National Institutes of Health.
Tag: Retina
NIH study finds loss of ‘youth’ protein may drive aging in the eye
Loss of the protein pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), which protects retinal support cells, may drive age-related changes in the retina, according to a new study in mice from the National Eye Institute (NEI).
NIH researchers decode retinal circuits for circadian rhythm, pupillary light response
The eye’s light-sensing retina taps different circuits depending on whether it is generating image-forming vision or carrying out a non-vision function such as regulating pupil size or sleep/wake cycles, according to a new mouse study from the National Eye Institute (NEI) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

When it comes to ADHD and ASD, the eyes could reveal all
In the first study of its kind, researchers found that recordings from the retina could identify distinct signals for both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) providing a potential biomarker for each condition.
Press Registration for the ASRS 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting Now Open
The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) invites members of the press to cover the latest advances in retina science and practice during its 40th Annual Scientific Meeting, July 13-16.
The limits of vision: seeing shadows in the dark
A dedicated neural circuit in the retina detects shadows even in near-complete darkness
Retinal cell map could advance precise therapies for blinding diseases
Researchers have identified distinct differences among the cells comprising a tissue in the retina that is vital to human visual perception. The scientists from the National Eye Institute (NEI) discovered five subpopulations of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)—a layer of tissue that nourishes and supports the retina’s light-sensing photoreceptors. Using artificial intelligence, the researchers analyzed images of RPE at single-cell resolution to create a reference map that locates each subpopulation within the eye.
Protect Healthy Vision with 7 Habits for Healthy Retinas
Healthy sight allows us to experience all of the world’s wonders. Our retinas make good vision possible. The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) encourages the public to learn about the healthy habits that can help safeguard your retinas and your sight.
Vision improvement is long-lasting with treatment for blinding blood vessel condition
New research shows that a treatment for retinal vein occlusion yields long-lasting vision gains, with visual acuity remaining significantly above baseline at five years. However, many patients require ongoing treatment.
Research to Prevent Blindness and Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology Announce 2022 Recipient of RPB David F. Weeks Award for Outstanding Vision Research
Donald Zack, MD, PhD, is recognized for ground-breaking contributions to the field of vision research, funded by Research to Prevent Blindness, an anonymous donor, and the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology.
New Issue of the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases Now Available
The July/August 2021 issue of the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases (JVRD), the official peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists, has been published.
Scientists Unravel the Function of a Sight-Saving Growth Factor
Researchers at the National Eye Institute (NEI) have determined how certain short protein fragments, called peptides, can protect neuronal cells found in the light-sensing retina layer at the back of the eye. The peptides might someday be used to treat degenerative retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Audacious projects develop imaging technology to aid eye tissue regeneration
As regenerative therapies for blinding diseases move closer to clinical trials, the National Eye Institute’s functional imaging consortium, a part of the NEI Audacious Goals Initiative (AGI), is pioneering noninvasive technologies to monitor the function of the retina’s light-sensing neurons and their connections to the brain.
Johns Hopkins Scientists Find Mammals Share Gene Pathways That Allow Zebrafish To Grow New Eyes
Working with fish, birds and mice, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers report new evidence that some animals’ natural capacity to regrow neurons is not missing, but is instead inactivated in mammals. Specifically, the researchers found that some genetic pathways that allow many fish and other cold-blooded animals to repair specialized eye neurons after injury remain present in mammals as well, but are turned off, blocking regeneration and healing.
Scientists Take Important Step Toward Using Retinal Cell Transplants to Treat Blindness
Retinal cells derived from a cadaver human eye survived when transplanted into the eyes of primate models, an important advance in the development of cell therapy to treat blindness, according to a study published on January 14 in Stem Cell Reports.
Focus on Healthy Vision with Six New Year’s Resolutions from Retina Specialists
For many people, the new year means making New Year’s resolutions to improve health and wellness, such as losing weight or getting more sleep. Habits that help support retina health should be top priorities as well, according to the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS).
Researchers Study Regulation of Subretinal Fluid with Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Article title: SLC26A7 constitutes the thiocyanate-selective anion conductance of the basolateral membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium Authors: Xu Cao, Manoocher Soleimani, Bret A. Hughes From the authors: “These findings establish SLC26A7 as the SCN−-selective conductance of the [retinal pigment epithelium] basolateral membrane…

World’s First ‘Pathoconnectome’ Could Point Toward New Treatments for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Scientists from the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah have achieved another first in the field of connectomics, which studies the synaptic connections between neurons. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded lab has produced the first pathoconnectome, showing how eye disease alters retinal circuitry.
American Society of Retina Specialists Launches Retina Health for Life Podcast
The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) today announced the launch of a new audio and video podcast series providing consumers with critical information about the signs, symptoms and risk factors of retina disease and the importance of seeing a retina specialist for specialized care.
Low-Carbohydrate Diet May Be Associated With Lower Risk of Blinding Eye Disease
Following a long-term diet that’s low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein from vegetables may lower the risk of the most common subtype of glaucoma

Researchers look to the eye for insights about the brain
Researchers seeking to unravel the mysteries of how our amazingly complex brains do what they do, often start with the eye. An extension of neural tissue connecting the eye and brain, the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye has long been a model for scientists to explore how the brain works.

NEI researchers link age-related DNA modifications to susceptibility to eye disease
National Eye Institute (NEI) researchers profiling epigenomic changes in light-sensing mouse photoreceptors have a clearer picture of how age-related eye diseases may be linked to age-related changes in the regulation of gene expression. The findings, published online April 21 in Cell Reports, suggest that the epigenome could be targeted as a therapeutic strategy to prevent leading causes of vision loss, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Researchers restore sight in mice by turning skin cells into light-sensing eye cells
Researchers have discovered a technique for directly reprogramming skin cells into light-sensing rod photoreceptors used for vision, sidestepping the need for stem cells. The lab-made rods enabled blind mice to detect light after the cells were transplanted into the animals’ eyes.
Breakthrough Technology Used to Discover Eye Damage from Repeated Intravitreal Injections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ilana NikraveshMount Sinai Press [email protected] Breakthrough Technology Used to Discover Eye Damage from Repeated Intravitreal Injections Findings may lead to new treatment approaches to counteract this problem (New York, NY – April 13, 2019) – In…

UPMC First in the U.S. to Implant Wireless Retinal Device
UPMC is the first center in the U.S. to implant a wireless retinal device to treat advanced age-related macular degeneration.

Helper Protein Worsens Diabetic Eye Disease
In a recent study using mice, lab-grown human retinal cells and patient samples, Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists say they found evidence of a new pathway that may contribute to degeneration of the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The findings, they conclude, bring scientists a step closer to developing new drugs for a central vision-destroying complication of diabetes that affects an estimated 750,000 Americans.
Eye Damage Linked to Popular Over-the-Counter Vitamin That Lowers Cholesterol Can Be Reversed
Study is the first to identify specific cellular toxicity and show improvement after stopping supplement use